FFA Member Earns Spot In “The Voice” Finale

Although we’ve been busy fixing fence and hauling pairs to pasture the last couple of weeks, when Tyler and I get in the house at dark, we try to catch up on a few of our favorite TV shows, including NBC’s “The Voice.”

If you haven’t seen the show, the reality singing show features star coaches including Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Usher and Shakira. Coaches select their teams in blind auditions by turning their chairs to choose a singer based off on their vocal performances. This season, in particular, has been interesting to watch.

A couple of our favorites on the show -- rocker Kat Perkins from North Dakota and country high school student Jake Worthington from Texas -- have gained recognition not only for their vocal talents, but for their rural roots and involvement in the national FFA, as well.

Although Perkins, a member of the Scranton FFA Chapter years ago, was eliminated from the show on Tuesday night, Worthington, a member of the La Porte FFA Chapter, made it to the finale, which will air next Monday, May 19. What makes Worthington really special is his genuine, good-ole boy personality, his connection with the fans, and his shout-out to the FFA in last week’s show.

On the show, Jake told fans, “Some of the best times I had in my high school experience were being in FFA, and taking classes on agriculture. I’ve learned how to feed and raise animals. I plan on going to a junior college and hopefully finding a way to get into (Texas) A&M.”

Worthington’s story was accompanied by photos of him showing steers and hogs, and Shelton has lauded Worthington for his authenticity and all-American roots.

“I want America to know that this is guy what you think he is,” said Shelton. “You’re the real deal. You’re somebody that needs to be on the radio and on country music. We need you right now. We need a young guy who is proud to represent traditional country music the way you do. I mean, an 18-year-old kid came out here and just sang Waylon Jennings on ‘The Voice!’”

If you’re a fan of country music or a member or alumni of FFA, show Worthington some support next week as he vies for the title of “The Voice.” This has been a pretty cool way to promote agriculture to millions of people, and I think Worthington has done a great job of supporting rural America.

What do you think of “The Voice” or reality talent shows in general? Do you have a favorite performer on “The Voice?” Will you be tuning in next week? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of Beefmagazine.com or the Penton Farm Progress Group.